Dubai: Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha applauded the performance of the team in the match against Bangladesh and expressed optimism for the final of the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 against India by this Sunday.
The green shirts qualified for the Summit collision after achieving a hard-earned 11-run victory over Bangladesh in the High-Stakes Super Four Clash, which was closed here earlier today at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
First put in the bat, Pakistan could collect 135/8 in their assigned 20 overs, thanks to Wicketkeeper Batter Mohammad Haris, who scored the top with a 23-ball 31, consisting of two four and a six.
All-rounder Mohammad Nawaz (25) and Shaheen Shah Afridi (19) made useful contributions to the total of Pakistan.
In response, Bangladesh 124/9 collected in their set of 20 overs, despite the Gutsy 30-run knock of Shamim Hossain and therefore collapsed with a campaign-ending defeat.
Shaheen and Haris Rauf jointly led the bowling lighting of Pakistan with two wickets, followed by Saim Ayub with two, while Nawaz drags in with one scalp.
Thinking about the victory over the presentation after the game, Pakistan captain Agha gave room for improvement, but remained faith in his team to become good in the historic final, planned to be played at the same location on Sunday.
“If you can win these kinds of games, you have to be a special team. Everyone has dragged along. The way Shaheen bowed and the way Haris bowed in the front was special,” said Agha.
“We find ways to win. There are ways to improve, but we will be better in the final,” he added.
After beating number six, with the scoreboard that reads 33/4 in 8.1 Overs, Wicketkeeper Batter Haris Haris held the innings of Pakistan together with a sensible knock, who eventually culminated in the 18th.
“He is a special player. He doesn’t hit his song. He never moaned. He said what the team needs, he will do it. He contributes to every game and I am very happy,” Agha praised Haris for his anchoring knock.
Although Pakistan successfully defended the 136-run target, their captain Agha rested that they were about 15 points short. However, he praised the bowling unit for creating pressure by bowling well, especially with the new ball.
“We were 10-15 points short – I am not going to deny that in any way. If we did the way we did in advance, we will create busy,” Agha continued.
“When you put pressure from the front, it is difficult to chase it down. Bent well with the new ball and once you come up with the new ball, you win more often,” he added.
The green shirts were equally productive in the field department, with Saim Ayub and Mohammad Nawaz Tower Hogs names with precision in crucial scoring agents of low scoring, and Agha called it the outcome of their hard work and credited coach Shane McDermott.
“We have settled very well. Since Shane came, we have worked very hard. Mike, our coach said that the one who cannot be removed cannot be in the team – so everyone works very hard with Shane and I am happy with how everyone is field,” said Agha.
Salman Ali Agha then shared his excitement for the Blockbuster Asia Cup 2025 final against Arch-Rivalen India, which states that they are aware of the requirements and will strive to win the summit collision.
“Very excited. We know what to do, and we are a good enough team to beat everyone, and we will come on Sunday and try to beat them.”
